Brooke + Chad | North Carolina Destination Wedding Photography

 

We had the amazing opportunity to travel to North Carolina for Brooke and Chad’s outdoor wedding at Walnut Lane Bed and Breakfast.  We love destination weddings for the chance to photograph a new area, especially somewhere as beautiful as the tree-studded hills of North Carolina!  Beyond an exciting change of scenery, this wedding was a delight to photograph because Brooke and I (Carissa) are old friends.  It was so special to be part of her and Chad’s wedding (and sneak in a surprise video of the day’s highlights.  Check back to this post soon to see the finished product!).

We absolutely loved this pre-first look teaser!  Brooke and Chad could hear each other and hold hands but we wouldn’t let them see each other just yet.  We were saving that moment for a very special spot just down the road in Downtown Greensboro.

For their first look, Brooke chose a spot next to these old railcars.  This was a nod to her stepfather John who passed away several years ago.  Brooke loves remembering how much he loved trains.  Because of this, we wholeheartedly agreed with her that this was not only a striking, unique spot for their first look but also a wonderful way to honor her stepfather.

 

We can’t post these amazing railcar photos without a little disclaimer.  Please do not take pictures on or near railroad tracks without first checking the rules with local authorities.

The Greensboro Police Department let us know that we were required to maintain a radius of at least 70 feet from the tracks at all times.  After informing us of their local rule on the matter, they granted us permission to continue taking pictures on the other side of the old railcars.  In the end, they were more than happy to pose for a photo with the bride and groom.

Tucked away in the woods, the Walnut Lane Bed and Breakfast was the perfect quiet spot for this intimate wedding.  Brooke and Chad love trees; consequently, they were so eager to venture out into the lush greenery for these portraits.

Brooke and Chad asked their friends and family to join them in a stone ceremony.  Each wedding guest silently blessed the bride and groom as they held their stones.  After the blessings, the stones were placed in a personalized box along with sand from their unity ceremony.

This group was so full of love for Brooke and Chad…and so much fun!  A beanbag toss, giant Jenga blocks and a photo booth made the outdoor cocktail hour extra fun.

This cake topper paid homage to Brooke and Chad’s shared love of sports…and the rivalry between their favorite baseball teams, of course.  The tower was full of cookie-inspired cupcakes.  Delicious!

Catching the special moments: following those heartwarming first dances, Brooke’s sorority sisters joined her to sing the Delta song.  Chad’s nephew Brady, aka the ring security, got the party started on the dance floor.  Seriously, such a fun bunch!

Brooke and Chad, we adore you!  Your wedding was such a wonderful expression of you as a couple.  We were truly thrilled that we got to capture it all (and take in all the gorgeous North Carolina scenery).  Thanks so much for choosing CTW Photography and enjoy these highlights!

Vendors:
Photographer: CTW Photography
Caterer: Fresh Local Good Food Group
Florist: Blossoms
Baker: Easy Peasy
Dress: David’s Bridal